Buzzcation

01/08/2018

It's tomorrow, kids!

We just added a few more available tickets to tomorrow, so don't let these tickets get away! Purchase tickets now for Buzzcation is Back! before it's too late. Remember each $20 admission ticket comes with a free raffle ticket. You can also purchase more tickets now or at the event.

We have lots of raffle prizes to give away, and before we forget -- we want to give huge thanks to Evans Communications for donating a GoPro and ladies' watch to the raffle, as well as The Farm at South Mountain for the $50 gift certificate! Fall is just around the corner and that gift certificate will come in handy for a lovely lunch.

Our event celebrates the life of fellow buzzcationer Mike Saucier, and benefits The Sauce Foundation.

So...raise of hands again...who all is coming?

30/07/2018

We are very excited to see everyone at ! In case, you’ve been living under a rock, Buzzcation is this Thursday, Aug. 2. We have a few tickets left, so don’t even think about it, just purchase your tickets now before it’s too late: https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/…/coming-august-2-buzzca…
Admission is only $20 per person and that gets you a free raffle ticket for a chance to win fabulous prizes from our generous donors. You can buy more, of course, to increase your chances.

As always, when it comes to social media, Mike, Lars and I have always believed that acquaintances and friendships should not be bounded or characterized by social media platforms. Sometimes, it’s good to get out of the comforts of our smartphones, mobile devices and desktops, and actually meet the people we interact with on social media, in a friendly and safe setting (trust us, we’re friendly boozers). Also, we believe that if we’re going to be drinking and having a good time, might as well do some good while at it. That’s why, we partnered with Evans Communications to benefit The Sauce Foundation and honor Mike Saucier (pictured here), a fellow buzzcationer who lost his battle with cancer. However, Mike’s legacy lives on as we celebrate it on Aug. 2, and help fund a scholarship at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication for a budding journalist or communications pro. So, on Thursday, open up your hearts and your wallets, meet new friends, catch-up with old ones, and drink up until we are really, really merry (we have discount codes, btw).

24/07/2018

Focus on the barbecue!

You all hungry yet? Good! Because the generous barbecue experts from Famous Dave's - Phoenix, AZ have donated raffle prizes for the upcoming -- a variety pack (with 2 bottles of bbq sauce, 2 spices, 2 cornbread mixes, and a jar of pickles) and a gift certificate for a Feast for Two.

See the photo below...we say that's a feast waiting to be devoured!

So get your tickets now for before it's too late! $20 admission goes to a very good cause and gets you one raffle ticket. You can also up your chances by purchasing more raffle tickets: https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

19/07/2018

The Holidays are roughly five months away and you know what you need...a family photo for the holiday cards. Guess what? Thurlkill Studios is giving away a family photo shoot as a raffle prize at .

Plus, our buddies and long-time supporters of Buzzcation, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar donated gift certificates to their restaurant. Maybe you and the fam can enjoy bevvies and some delicious food!

Two weeks away...what are you waiting for? Purchase your admission tickets now and you get a free raffle ticket: https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

16/07/2018

This is a long "Now & Then" because it's a combo, husband and wife team Charlotte Shaff and John Shaff! Catch up with or meet Charlotte and John at the Aug. 2 event. Two weeks left, get your tix now! https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

BUZZCATION QUESTIONS:
Where were you "in life" when you attended your first Buzzcation event?
Charlotte: I am pretty sure I went to the majority of them, but not the first one ever. John and I had just gotten married and I remember being pregnant at the 12 News Buzzcation tour.
John: I had just met Charlotte and was getting into social media and Twitter. I had started meeting some great people online and it was nice to meet them in person.

Three biggest events in your life since the last Buzzcation in 2013:
C & J: We bought a home in North Central Phoenix. John switched jobs as a Physician Assistant in Ortho (Hand & Wrist) to Dermatology. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April and had a double mastectomy in June 2018.
to

Favorite Buzzcation moment:
Charlotte: So many fun times and people to name, but the lunchtime New Years Eve at The Deuce was so fun and interactive. We brought Jake and everyone loved meeting the kid who was already social media famous from all our posts.
John: winning the big raffle at the second-anniversary party. And always meeting great people.

The biggest takeaway from the experience.
Both: For all the crap that happens on social media, it really does create an amazing village. To communicate and bond with others on social media for months, even years before meeting each other and not skipping a beat as instant "in person friends" is quite phenomenal.

11/07/2018

You haven't had a good hotdog until you've had a taste of the Danish dogs from DK Dogs. I mean seriously...them Danish folks know their wieners!

You're in luck because our friends at DKDogs are giving away a $35 gift certificate as a raffle prize so you and your friends can try their delicious dogs! They put some secret sauce in there and their addictive pickled cucumbers...and bam! We just know you will be hooked.

Don't forget to purchase your tickets for the event here: https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

While you're at it, you can purchase more raffle tickets ahead of time.
Thank you to our friends at DK Dogs!

05/07/2018

Home of the free...land of the brave.

Enjoy your 4th of July with a cold one. But call Lyft or Uber to take you home. Because we want to see you on Aug. 2. Cheers!

https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

03/07/2018

Who’s got World Cup fever?

Well, you’re in luck because, thanks to a generous donation from Tito's Handmade Vodka, we are giving away 4 VIP tickets to Phoenix Rising Football Club! And believe us you will be feel like a VIP while you enjoy an exciting soccer match.

Tito’s Vodka is America’s original craft vodka. Batch distilled in Texas, is corn-based using old-fashioned pot stills. Their process is similar to that used to make fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs…it’s that good. AND…it’s gluten-free, so no more excuses. To add to Tito’s awesomeness, they support nonprofits all around the country (and the world!) through the Love Tito's program.

More featured raffle prizes and sponsors to come, but for now, purchase your Buzzcation event tickets already! https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

29/06/2018

Remember Doug Mummert, a Buzzcation regular and our connection to the Phoenix Fire Department? What a fun guy!
He's retired and ready to party again on Aug. 2. So Don't forget to purchase your tix and celebrate with Doug: https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

Now let's check out what Doug has been up to...

Where were you "in life" when you attended your first Buzzcation event?
Serving the community, region & country as a Chief for the Phoenix Fire Department, and as a member of FEMA's Arizona Task Force for Urban Search & Rescue, and on FEMA's National Incident Support Team as a Public Information Officer. Most of my "spare" time was spent volunteering in a myriad of roles for some awesome organizations, along with a lot of good times thrown in, of course!

Three biggest events in your life since the last in 2013:
1. I officially retired from the Phoenix Fire Department three years ago and became a volunteer for them the very next day. You know what they say about old habits...
2. I also help with several local & national non-profits, in various roles, and do Public Safety Communications advocacy/consulting for commercial and government clients.
3. Much of my time has been spent with family on our mom's devastating journey with Alzheimer's. So, hug your loved ones and spend quality time with them! You won't regret it.

Favorite Buzzcation moment:
The event we had in partnership with the Rocky Mountain - Southwest Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The event was held at the old Tom's Tavern, in downtown Phoenix and led up to the annual, regional Emmy event at the University of Phoenix / Arizona Cardinals Stadium.

Biggest takeaway from the experience:
Many of us got to meet for the first time, and many of those relationships have stood the test of time. I still get a smile on my face when I run into, or get to hang out with, a fellow Buzzcationer!

25/06/2018

Buzzcation is Back! | HMA Public Relations

Have we mentioned how much we are crushing so hard on the HMA Public Relations team? Oh...so hard! 👊

Thank you so much for the blog/write-up! You guys have been there since the beginning and we so appreciate your support from the start. We hope to see your team on Aug 2.

Also, talk about a blast from the beautiful past... it's Beth Gutierrez!!!
cc: Abbie S. Fink Alison Bailin Batz Scott Hanson

So don't miss out! Get your tickets now before they sell out: https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

Five years after the last Buzzcation, the three founders are bringing it back in honor of Mike Saucier on August 2 at the Found:RE Hotel at 5:30 p.m.

21/06/2018

We love to feature our ! Here's another one of our OGs -- Ken Reinstein!

Miss him? Then you better get your tickets soon because they are going fast!

Where were you "in life" when you attended your first Buzzcation event?
I am pretty sure I was running my own agency - blue 22 pr, and fully into exploring all that was possible with Social Media.

Three biggest events in your life since the last Buzzcation in 2013
1. Getting two promotions at work
2. Becoming an empty nester with my wife, in 2017
3. The loss of our 14-year-old dog on June 19, 2018

Favorite Buzzcation moment
The event at Fleming's in Scottsdale (I think) where Mike went a little crazy with something related to sexual activities (talking about the subject!)

Biggest takeaway from the experience
Several long-lasting friendships, with people I may never have met beyond social media sharing online.

Buzzcation is here before you know it, so get your tickets now:
https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundatio

19/06/2018

We wanted to give a quick shoutout to the generous folks at FOUND:RE Phoenix hotel for hosting the upcoming to benefit The Sauce Foundation. The team from FOUND:RE will be offering happy hour specials to guests in their art-filled event space, to go with delectable appetizers.

For those who have not been to the Found:Re, it is a renovated, art-focused boutique hotel near Roosevelt Row that has a sophisticated urban vibe. The hotel lobby is filled with revolving art by local artists that are for sale. It also has a community space that houses a restaurant and lounge (MATCH Restaurant & Lounge) that offers a diverse menu --from your traditional steak and fries, to tacos with a Guatemalan flair and Caribbean-inspired chicken wings.

We can't wait to see you there! Remember, tickets are limited so please purchase your tickets to the event benefitting The Sauce Foundation and scholarship fund. https://www.thesaucefoundation.org/news/2018/6/6/coming-august-2-buzzcation-returns-benefitting-the-sauce-foundation

12/06/2018

Soon you'll know why we're bringing the band back together...

08/06/2018

You might want to tell your friends to LIKE us or follow us on Twitter () and Instagram ().

Yeah, it's definitely happening, so mark your calendars now and start working out for a reunion.

08/06/2018

Anthony Bourdain's Life Advice

Bourdain on hangovers, regrets and finding a calling...

CNN's coolest globe-trotter on punctuality, omelets, and how vanity got him clean. 

05/06/2018

And now the lovely Sophia Zaft...

- Where were you "in life" when you attended your first Buzzcation event?
I was going to grad school at the Cronkite school downtown back then- downtown was a developing place and the opening of the Cronkite building was exciting. We were the first grad school class to go through their accelerated Masters in Mass Communication. I was in my twenties, single and having loads of fun!

- Three biggest events in your life since the last Buzzcation in 2013
Professionally since 2013, I have taken a full-time professor position at Monmouth University on the Jersey Shore, moved to NYC, and moved back. I've worked at a few agencies, and most recently have loved working at Grand Canyon University both in Marketing and Public Relations, and also as an adjunct professor. I now teach a class or two per semester and also do communications and marketing for Romulus Restaurant Group part-time.

Personally, my other main events have been getting married, having a baby (now 2 years old), and buying a house just south of the Biltmore in Phoenix. Life has been pretty dang good.

- Favorite Buzzcation moment
Hands down bowling. Bowling and countless happy hours. I am always in awe of the communications community that Phoenix has- it's just incredible to be part of such a kind and helpful bunch of people.

- Biggest takeaway from the experience
We all know how much relationships matter- we all have built our careers on it. But the community was media professionals of all ages and from all arms of the profession. The way it connected us all was incredible. I believe, without a doubt, any of those professionals would do just about anything at their disposal to help one another- and that's SPECIAL and a little magical. I've made countless friends, watched their careers grow and have connected with countless people whose careers I admire and consider mentors, even if from afar. I respect this community immensely, and reminiscing about the buzzcation days may have made me a little misty-eyed this morning...

(And of course, we got all misty-eyed, too)

31/05/2018

Meet Ashley Oakes Scott...

Where were you "in life" when you attended your first Buzzcation event?
During my first buzzcation event, I was a new pro doing social media and public relations for Zion & Zion in Tempe, AZ. I had also recently started dating my now husband. I was new to the industry and didn't know a lot of people in the industry yet so was interested in meeting them.

Three biggest events in your life since the last Buzzcation in 2013:
- Got married!
- Got my dog child,
- I now work for Seasonally Fresh Culinary Family as the Director of Marketing. Our businesses include The Farm at South Mountain, Quiessence at The Farm, Morning Glory Cafe, The Farm Kitchen, Botanica, Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering, and Palette at Phoenix Art Museum.

• Favorite Buzzcation moment
I loved going to SideBar for Buzzcation. The intimate setting was exactly what buzzcation was about. Meeting new people, grabbing a drink with old friends. I think there was a time when ABC15 Arizona to a Buzzcation at The District and I was on the news for drinking with friends (ha!). That was another fun moment!

• Biggest takeaway from the experience
I have met some of my closest friends in the industry through buzzcation. It started with a small profile picture on Twitter and landed us at to meet in real life. Without the event there is no doubt I wouldn't have some of the best connections that I have made throughout the years.

Can't wait for the next one!

30/05/2018

Welcome to the first of the series "What the hell happened to...?"

It's been five years since the last Buzzcation event and so many life-changing events have happened. We will be reaching out to Buzzcationers, asking to update us on how life is treating them.

But first...let us be the guinea pigs.

MIKE
"I sold my business to a company out of Chicago. A year later they asked if I was bored yet. Today I'm still working for News Exposure and loving every minute of it.

My father passed away in the early morning of Dec. 16, 2014. That was a big moment in my life after Buzzcation. Pops and I spent a lot of time together in his last 5 years and losing him was very hard. Six months later my sisters and I returned his ashes to our hometown of Niagara Falls, NY. It was the first time the three of us had been together in Niagara in over 40 years. It was a beautiful week that will always stay with me.

In mid-2017, I made the decision to move to Baguio City, Philippines, and retire there. I set the date for September 3 of this year...purchased my plane ticket and am now just counting the days until I start this next and likely final chapter in my life. I look forward to seeing all my old Buzzcation friends one more time before I depart."

LARS
Three biggest events in your life since the last Buzzcation in 2013.
• Went to work for the city of Phoenix.
• Bought a house and moved in with Yvette; now we are parents to three dogs.
• Drank adult beverages on two new (to me) continents.

Favorite Buzzcation moment
• The bowling event. That was a blast - Banana Splits rule!

Biggest takeaway from the experience
• We help put the social into social media.

YVETTE
Three biggest events in your life since the last Buzzcation in 2013:
After Buzzcation, I prepared myself to become an empty nester. My two kids graduated from high school and one of them just completed her undergrad work at UofA. Since 2013, I got into this travel kick and have visited more than a dozen cities, international and domestic. Lars and I bought a home and moved in together, and then I became an instant mom to three dogs. Instead of cleaning up after my kids, I now find myself cleaning up balls of hair of my furry kids.

Favorite Buzzcation moment:
It’s been so long and I have had many cocktails since then that my memory isn’t as sharp as before, but I do know there was a certain high seeing the number of tickets being sold the minute we announced the next event.

Biggest takeaway from the experience:
My good friends today I met through Buzzcation…are you kidding me?! I treasure them!

28/05/2018

We hope you are making the most of the holiday weekend. Salud!

22/05/2018

*wakes up from a long hangover*

Hello...is this still on?

02/06/2014

Get Ready Beer Fans, The Beer Brewing Kitchen Appliance Is On Its Way

Aside from this, what else would make a great Father's Day gift?

If you've always wanted to brew your own beer at home, but felt it was too messy or complicated, now you have no excuse. A new connected beer brewing appliance is about to make beer brewing at home more Nespresso-like than mad scientist.

25/05/2014

Top 10 Beach Drinks -- National Geographic

Choose your spot...order the drink.


http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/beach-drinks/?sf3038606=1

Top 10 Beach Drinks from National Geographic

13/05/2014

Is This The Secret to Not Getting Drunk While Drinking?

Someone try this and report back. Bring us some good news!

The man behind Samuel Adams beer claims that ingesting dry yeast before knocking back a few cold ones can help keep you from overdoing it

02/05/2014

Thank you very to mod on Central for inviting us to their grand opening! Congratulations! We think many mobile working people will be happy to know you're in the 'hood ready to rock and roll...

Food was delicious, by the way. The bacon-wrapped dates...divine! And the salted caramel brownies...addicting!

Glad you're in !

28/04/2014

Overdosed on delectable desserts at The Wren's opening April 24. Chef Dennis Delamater did not disappoint! Check out the rest of the menu at the hotel's new restaurant, The Post.

Thanks for a lovely evening!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ey6nq3uuhu55uci/Post_DinnerMenu%203.30.14_UPDATED.pdf
(Photo credit: The Post)

27/04/2014

Start experimenting...
SRIRACHA MARGARITA for CINCO DE MAYO!

What You’ll Need:
2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/2 cup Tequila
1/4 cup Cointreau (or other orange flavored liquor)
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon Green Sriracha from Musashi Foods
2 cups ice

What to Do:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a sugar-rimmed margarita glass and enjoy!

Happy Cinco de Mayo (though we recommend enjoying this cocktail any time of year)!

http://greatist.com/health/recipe-sriracha-margarita

26/04/2014

Bourbon’s Affinity for Ginger

Maybe next time, it will be three cherries and a slice of ginger...
Cheers and happy Friday!

Three cocktails combining two crisp and refreshing ingredients.

21/04/2014

Happy Easter to all good and bad Catholics! Cheers!

28/03/2014

Had a fun evening at Jetlinx in Scottsdale courtesy of Scottsdale Modern Luxury Magazine. Lots of important people who use private jets to hop from one destination to another. That wouldn't be us, of course.

Yvette enjoyed the merlot and caviar and Lars savored the good ol' Coors.

Congratulations to Scottsdale Modern Luxury!

16/02/2014

Phoenix PRSA » Event Registration

Hey everyone, PRSA Phoenix is hosting their first networking event/mixer and everyone is invited. You know it's always cool to hangout with PR/Marketing/Communications pros...so here's your chance. The event will be at Bootleggers in Scottsdale (there'll be meat, meat, meat!). And cocktails and frothy drinks.

So go! Only $10 for PRSA members and $20 for non. THat'll get you yummy appetizers and one bevvie.

http://phoenixprsa.org/event-registration/?ee=82

Phoenix chapter of the Public Relations Society of America

10/02/2014

That Lego Movie...we highly recommend it.

17/01/2014

So tell us...

HOW CRAZY WAS YOUR DAY?

And how much alcohol does that equate to?

26/12/2013

We hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and is now recovering from the booze and tryptophan combo!

Get it together, people! We've got New Year's festivities on the horizon...

14/12/2013

Frank 'N Moby Build a Bookstore

Ya'll know that we have a deep love for Phoenix, and we want Phoenix to thrive, and be hip and cool and all that good stuff. In a way, it already is hip, cool, and made up of good stuff, but you know what would kick it up a notch?

Having a true, community-centric bookstore, equipped with booksellers with mad literary skills. Oh...AND A BAR!!!

Please help Changing Hands Bookstore build their Phoenix store. We love that place. You know why?

Here's a little trivia...

Changing Hands Bookstore was the place where Lars and Yvette first met almost 10 years ago--he was a reporter for Az Republic covering the East Valley, and she was the PR manager for the bookstore in charge of publicizing all their author events. That's why...

Please donate whatever you can and let's build a bookstore. And since I know their current PR person, we can probably schmooze our into having a unique BUZZCATION event there.

WE HAVE 11 DAYS...

Let's do this, people! (and please share this!)

Yvette And Lars

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/frank-n-moby-build-a-bookstore

T-shirts, posters, greeting cards, tote bags (and more!) based on the classics to help build a new Changing Hands Bookstore in the heart of Phoenix, AZ.

14/12/2013

Not too late to give. Go to your nearest Sprouts and Grab N' Give!

Help Arizona's needy families get natural, nutritious food products this holiday season with Sprouts Farmers Market Grab 'N Give program. Just grab one of the bags filled with healthy pantry items and after purchasing, drop in the Sprouts collection bins for local food banks to pick up.